What you will learn

As collaboration is one of the key factors necessary for effective learning, this learning initiative will offer a good balance between classroom lecturing and solving of practical case studies related to internal control and audit challenges encountered in EU funded projects and programs. This will in turn give participants a chance to learn about possible ways to overcome them. It will draw upon lessons learned from internal control and audit of EU funded projects in the 2014-2020 programming period. Since countries have now more responsibilities to develop an effective control system and to assure a proper spending of the EU budget, methodologies that can be used to handle the management of EU funds effectively will also be discussed. In addition, specific aspects concerning the use of the simplified cost options as a way for more efficient management of EU funds will be covered.

In this regard this practical three-day course is designed to provide insights into:

• lessons learned from audit and control in the 2014-2020 programming period
• an appropriate risk management and control strategy for the sound functioning of the internal control system
• review of the risks to the financial management of the EU budget
• practical aspects of putting in place effective measures taking into account identified risks
• methodologies for increasing efficiency of control and taking into account the audits results
• regulatory framework and principles concerning simplified cost options
• examples aiming at illustrating the main advantages of using simplified cost option applicable to the EU funds

By the end of the learning initiative, participants will have:

• Received a summary of issues to be addressed to ensure that the value for money from the EU budget is achieved
• Learned about the internal control challenges regarding the management of the EU funds and discussed ways to overcome them
• Discussed the why and how to use simplified cost options
• Exchanged views about best practice and recommendations for a successful use of simplified cost models in EU funded projects and programs
•  Learned about the implications of the simplified cost options for audit practice

Who should attend

The workshop has been primarily designed for public officials involved in management and control of EU funds from the quality control, risk management, internal and external audit, financial management and financial control functions in central finance and contracting units at the national funds, bodies responsible for the operational programs, and managing, certifying and audit authorities.

Participants are expected to take an active part in the workshop activities. The success of the workshop is directly dependent on the participants’ active engagement in the discussions and group work.

In view of the interactive nature of the event, it will be helpful if participants have a good command of the English language as there are no interpretation services planned.

Faculty

The learning initiative will be delivered under the guidance of:

• Milena Penevska

Milena has 25 years of professional experience in financial management, audit and banking, gained in the private and public sectors. Her practical experience with EU funds goes back to the early years of the pre-accession funds in Bulgaria followed by work in the Structural and Cohesion Funds’ Certifying Authority, the Certifying Authority for the Common Agricultural Policy and the Bulgarian Central Coordination Unit. Skilled in financial management and control, internal audit, management and control systems, budget process, legislative framework for EU funds management, in particular eligibility of expenditure and designation. She is Certified Internal Auditor and has Certification in Control Self-Assessment by the International Institute of Internal Auditors since 2012. She holds the William S. Smith Certificate of Honours Award and the CCSA Highest Achievement Award of the International Institute of Internal Auditors for 2012. She is also a holder of Master’s degree in Finance from the Sofia University of National and World Economy and Diploma in Financial management from ACCA.

• Alexandar Hinov

Aleksandar has more 20 years of professional experience in the public financial management, financial management and control, certification, audit, trainings and in setting up internal control systems of EU co-financed programmes. He has expert and managerial experience both in the public administration (National Fund of the Ministry of Finance) and as consultant working for different donors like EC, GIZ, SIDA, LUXDEV, The World Bank. Aleksandar has practical experience with regards the EU financial assistance under IPA and the Structural and Investment Funds. He is Certified Government Audit Professional.

Practical information

Travel and accommodation costs will be funded for up to three officials per country from: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. Public officials from other CEF constituency countries and beyond are also welcome to apply however they would have to obtain funding from their sending institution (or another donor) to cover these costs. No fee will be charged, and meals and refreshments during the event will be provided to all selected participants.

The workshop be delivered in English and no translation will be provided.

Partners

This learning initiative was supported by: